Kawasaki KL650E Problems by Year
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file for the Kawasaki KL650E, across 4 model years (2006–2012). The 2008 model year has the most complaints (12). The most reported problem area overall is exterior lighting.
Kawasaki KL650E years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical KL650E year: 2008. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2008 KL650E: 12 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2009 KL650E: 6 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2012 KL650E: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Kawasaki KL650E problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Kawasaki KL650E model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 KL650E | 1 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2009 KL650E | 6 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2008 KL650E | 12 | 3 | — | Exterior Lighting | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 KL650E | 1 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling |
More from Kawasaki: all Kawasaki models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Kawasaki KL650E years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2008 (12) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical KL650E year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Kawasaki KL650E?
Exterior Lighting, with 7 complaints across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the Kawasaki KL650E have?
3 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.